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Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Comprising mostly succinct expository statements, guidelines, and charts, this presentation attacks many cultural and educational myths in the areas of the grading and grouping of students at the middle school level. It stresses the importance of understanding what intelligence and academic success really are, and suggests ways in which teachers can modify their attitudes and curriculum to help all students achieve academic success. It advocates an inverted pyramid structure of grading, providing as much success as possible for as many students as possible, in as many areas of school as possible. It also criticizes questionable grading practices, such as using varying grade scales, using zeros indiscriminately, failing to match testing to teaching, relying on surprise quizzes, and penalizing students for taking intellectual risks. It suggests remedies for such practices, including consistent and fair grading, letting students know what is expected of them, giving feedback before grades, and encouraging intellectual risk-taking. It suggests that students be grouped according to previous grades and performance, teacher and counselor recommendations, parent and student choice, demographics, and standardized test results. (MDM)

Prospective distance education students are faced with a bewildering number of choices in selecting an institution that is best suited to achieving their educational goals. They also face a confusing forest of institutions' promotional claims of being the best or most respected school. This primer is intended to help the prospective student of an online or distance education school or college sort out the confusing claims made about accreditation and about different accrediting agencies. This guide will help dispel some common myths, and will help provide students with a basic understanding of what the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) accreditation is and how it can help them make a good choice of where to study. In their quest for information on online institutions, would-be students often consult a number of sources, primarily from Web site searches. These searches may produce equally bewildering, and at times, unreliable and inaccurate information.

Prospective distance education students are faced with a bewildering number of choices in selecting an institution that is best suited to achieving their educational goals. They also face a confusing forest of institutions' promotional claims of being the best or most respected school. This primer is intended to help the prospective student of an online or distance education school or college sort out the confusing claims made about accreditation and about different accrediting agencies. This guide will help dispel some common myths, and will help provide students with a basic understanding of what the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) accreditation is and how it can help them make a good choice of where to study. In their quest for information on online institutions, would-be students often consult a number of sources, primarily from Web site searches. These searches may produce equally bewildering, and at times, unreliable and inaccurate information.

Bibliography: p. 215-218

Bibliography: p. 215-218

Bibliography: p. 215-218

xviii, 237 pages ; 23 cm

How have history and science shaped the gendering of our emotions? Emotions shape the way we interact with the world and how we are perceived by others. Yet the ways that we interpret those emotions and act on them has been heavily gendered. Hidden patterns of bias sit beneath the language we use and reach across our lives and society, from politics and the media to the workplace and our personal relationships. But how did this come to be? What factors have influenced the gendered stereotypes, double standards, and assumptions that influence the reading of our emotions? What, if any, grounding does this have in our biology? How is the gendering of emotions influenced by racial stereotypes and other forms of social inequalities? Join Pragya Agarwal, behaviour and data scientist, to explore fundamental questions around how we gender emotions, the impact this has on our lives and how unshackling ourselves from these stereotypes can benefit us all. Want to watch this event at RSA House? For those wishing to gather with friends or colleagues to watch in-person, this event will be live-streamed on The Steps in The Coffee House on the day of the event from 13:00. #RSAEmotions Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Donate to The RSA: https://utm.guru/udNNB Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rsa_events/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSAEvents Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsaeventsofficial Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU

How have history and science shaped the gendering of our emotions? Emotions shape the way we interact with the world and how we are perceived by others. Yet the ways that we interpret those emotions and act on them has been heavily gendered. Hidden patterns of bias sit beneath the language we use and reach across our lives and society, from politics and the media to the workplace and our personal relationships. But how did this come to be? What factors have influenced the gendered stereotypes, double standards, and assumptions that influence the reading of our emotions? What, if any, grounding does this have in our biology? How is the gendering of emotions influenced by racial stereotypes and other forms of social inequalities? Join Pragya Agarwal, behaviour and data scientist, to explore fundamental questions around how we gender emotions, the impact this has on our lives and how unshackling ourselves from these stereotypes can benefit us all. Want to watch this event at RSA House? For those wishing to gather with friends or colleagues to watch in-person, this event will be live-streamed on The Steps in The Coffee House on the day of the event from 13:00. #RSAEmotions Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Donate to The RSA: https://utm.guru/udNNB Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rsa_events/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSAEvents Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsaeventsofficial Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU

How have history and science shaped the gendering of our emotions? Emotions shape the way we interact with the world and how we are perceived by others. Yet the ways that we interpret those emotions and act on them has been heavily gendered. Hidden patterns of bias sit beneath the language we use and reach across our lives and society, from politics and the media to the workplace and our personal relationships. But how did this come to be? What factors have influenced the gendered stereotypes, double standards, and assumptions that influence the reading of our emotions? What, if any, grounding does this have in our biology? How is the gendering of emotions influenced by racial stereotypes and other forms of social inequalities? Join Pragya Agarwal, behaviour and data scientist, to explore fundamental questions around how we gender emotions, the impact this has on our lives and how unshackling ourselves from these stereotypes can benefit us all. Want to watch this event at RSA House? For those wishing to gather with friends or colleagues to watch in-person, this event will be live-streamed on The Steps in The Coffee House on the day of the event from 13:00. #RSAEmotions Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Donate to The RSA: https://utm.guru/udNNB Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rsa_events/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSAEvents Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsaeventsofficial Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU

How have history and science shaped the gendering of our emotions? Emotions shape the way we interact with the world and how we are perceived by others. Yet the ways that we interpret those emotions and act on them has been heavily gendered. Hidden patterns of bias sit beneath the language we use and reach across our lives and society, from politics and the media to the workplace and our personal relationships. But how did this come to be? What factors have influenced the gendered stereotypes, double standards, and assumptions that influence the reading of our emotions? What, if any, grounding does this have in our biology? How is the gendering of emotions influenced by racial stereotypes and other forms of social inequalities? Join Pragya Agarwal, behaviour and data scientist, to explore fundamental questions around how we gender emotions, the impact this has on our lives and how unshackling ourselves from these stereotypes can benefit us all. Want to watch this event at RSA House? For those wishing to gather with friends or colleagues to watch in-person, this event will be live-streamed on The Steps in The Coffee House on the day of the event from 13:00. #RSAEmotions Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Donate to The RSA: https://utm.guru/udNNB Follow RSA Events on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rsa_events/ Follow the RSA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSAEvents Like RSA Events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsaeventsofficial Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-244)

The purpose of this Congressional study is to underscore the continuing contribution of the family in providing care to the frail and disabled elderly. This study has been developed to distill information that currently exists, to provide new data based on national estimates and to highlight both public and private sector initiatives targeted at caregiving. Informal caregiving is the first topic discussed. An historical perspective is provided, as well as current demographic, health, and social trends. Next characteristics of the caregivers themselves are described, including their gender, age, marital status, employment, economic status, health status, and living arrangements. The benefits and negative aspects of caregiving are described, including sources of stress and types of caregiver strain. The public sector response to informal caregiving is discussed. These topics are covered: status of current public policies; public sector support for informal caregivers, including service and financial strategies; and federal legislation, including the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 and the Respite Care Act of 1986. The private sector response is also described, including education and training, respite care, and employee benefit programs. The report concludes that family members, friends and neighbors have continued their long tradition as the principal source of long-term care assistance to impaired elderly persons, and these caregivers will continue to be essential in providing care to dependent elderly. (ABL)

The purpose of this Congressional study is to underscore the continuing contribution of the family in providing care to the frail and disabled elderly. This study has been developed to distill information that currently exists, to provide new data based on national estimates and to highlight both public and private sector initiatives targeted at caregiving. Informal caregiving is the first topic discussed. An historical perspective is provided, as well as current demographic, health, and social trends. Next characteristics of the caregivers themselves are described, including their gender, age, marital status, employment, economic status, health status, and living arrangements. The benefits and negative aspects of caregiving are described, including sources of stress and types of caregiver strain. The public sector response to informal caregiving is discussed. These topics are covered: status of current public policies; public sector support for informal caregivers, including service and financial strategies; and federal legislation, including the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 and the Respite Care Act of 1986. The private sector response is also described, including education and training, respite care, and employee benefit programs. The report concludes that family members, friends and neighbors have continued their long tradition as the principal source of long-term care assistance to impaired elderly persons, and these caregivers will continue to be essential in providing care to dependent elderly. (ABL)

Pastor Les Shelton's message on May 4, 2014

Includes bibliographical references (p. 279-300) and index

1Lady Audley's Secret

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's first novel, Lady Audley's Secret, was one of the most popular English novels of its day. Published serially in 1862, it tells the story of the lovely Lucy Graham, who becomes Lady Audley at the beginning of the novel, and who conceals a scandalous secret from her new husband and his family. The plot, which includes madness, bigamy, attempted murder, and seduction, made this a shocking but highly successful story for Victorian audiences. It remains one of the best examples of 19th century sensational fiction, and is a wonderfully absorbing book. (Summary written by gloriana).

Aurora Floyd, the daughter of a rich banker and an actress, could not have had a better start: back from a finishing school in Paris, she is beautiful, clever and rich. Two men instantly fall in love with her. But when they discover that she have done something very wrong in her past, who will stand by her side? With a set of unforgettable characters, the author delivers to us what she calls "a domestic drama". This book asks some major questions: is it good to love someone even if they lied? Even if they were amoral and behaved very badly? Is it good to forgive everything? Those questions are timeless, and so is this book. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

3Run to Earth

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

A captivating Victorian “sensation” novel by the author of “Lady Audley's Secret”, Run to Earth has it all: scoundrels and mercenaries, love and lust, jealousy, intrigue, and suspense. (Introduction by Gail Mattern)

4John Marchmont's Legacy

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Like Wuthering Heights, the center of this story is a dramatic love triangle, the setting is a huge English manor. Olivia Marchmont has always "done her duty." However, when she falls in love and her beloved is in love with another woman, the malice of her heart is released in full view. In this dramatic tale, the vivid description of the country is also important- as if nature has a part in it. Unlike many novels, nobody gets what they deserve at the end. Or do they? Read and decide for yourself. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

5Lovels of Arden

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

The novel traces the return of a young Englishwoman from several years of schooling abroad, to find that her life will not take up where she thought it would. Clarissa Lovel faced not only an emotionally and financially bereft father, but her first glimpse at love - and that not from the best vantage point. (Summary by Cathy Barratt)

6Doctor's Wife

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

This is one of the Victorian “Sensationist” Mary Elizabeth Braddon's many novels (best known among them: “Lady Audley’s Secret”). It is extremely well written, fluid, humorous and, in places, self-mocking: one of the main characters is a Sensation Author. The motifs of the-woman-with-a-secret, adultery, and death are classic “sensationist” material. Yet this is also a self-consciously serious work of literature, taking on various social themes of the day. Specifically, Braddon presents the psychological struggle and cognitive dissonance which are the inevitable plight of the married middle-class woman with a strong sense of self, who is essentially constrained to live the life of her husband. In this, it echoes Flaubert’s “Madame Bovary.”<br /><br />The heroine, Isabel Sleaford, was driven early in her childhood to bury herself in, and develop her sense of self through, romantic novels and poetry. She is thus ill-adapted to the conventional, provincial structures and strictures laid upon her when she marries the very good and adoring, but also boring and unimaginative, Dr. George Gilbert. Isabel forms friendships with men (including her husband's best friend) who are more amenable to her romantic inclinations, and inevitably encounters social condemnation as a result. The book shows how life’s tragedies and the world’s cruel judgments shape Isabel, as she grows more mature, somewhat embittered, but also – true to her nature – beautifully resilient. (Summary by Kirsten Wever)

7Fenton's Quest

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

This story revolves around Gilbert Fenton, a very talented middle class businessman from London, who falls in love with a beautiful country woman far below his station. He decides to marry her anyway. But is she all that she seems? <BR>(Summary by Stav Nisser.)

8Golden Calf

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

A late 19th Century sensation novel following the young life of Ida Palliser as she searches for fortune and love within England's Gentry Class. Victorian sensation books were often set in ordinary, familiar setting, undermining the perceived adherence to social convention. They exposed the true lives of Victorian England's upper class - lives they tried to keep hidden. (summary by James Dow)

This is an exquisite and heartbreaking love story. Violet Tempest and Roderick Vawdrey, otherwise known to each other as Vixen and Rorie, are childhood sweethearts. However, Rorie's family wants him to marry elsewhere. You may think it is the old story all over again, but nothing in this novel is what it seems. It is far too realistic for that. Many books talk about falling in love. This book starts after that stage, and speaks about the harder stage of a relationship: loving earnestly but understanding that love - even in the truest and purest sense - is not everything in life. There are duties to fulfill, and they might have nothing to do with love. Family life plays a large role in this novel, and it is not always warm and good. Many of the characters are strong and complicated. The novel has some feminist ideas, but they have boundaries, and are presented side by side with the conventional ideas of the times. But the signs of change are there... loud and clear. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

10Henry Dunbar

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

In this novel by Victorian sensationalist Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Henry Dunbar returns to England after a 30-year exile to India for committing forgery. What follows is an adventure involving murder, deception, the ethical quandaries of guilt and responsibility, and the struggle against the gender and social barriers of the Victorian era. (Summary by Rosie)

It is the Christmas season once again and things are, well, boring for the adults at Penlyon Castle. "...if somehow or other I had a pack of children belonging to me, I would keep Christmas with the best — keep it as it ought to be kept." says Sir John. His good friend Mr. Danby has the perfect solution - to hire some children to spend Christmas! Thus, the arrival of Lassie, Laddie, and little Moppet - Christmas and Sir John may never be the same again. (Summary by ppcunningham)<br>Proof Listener - hallejk

12Phantom Fortune, A Novel

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Lady Maulevrier was once a beautiful socialite, beloved and welcomed in London high society. But her life took a turn for the worse when her husband, whom she married only for his fortune, committed a terrible crime in India. Forty years later, she is taking care of her two granddaughters, Mary and Lesbia. She prefers Lesbia, because of her beauty. Therefore, the relationship between the sisters is tolerable at best. Mary marries the man of her dreams while Lesbia enters London society under the wing of her grandmother's faithful friend. Would she take all the advantages offered to her and find a match which would make her grandmother happy? Would Mary finally be happy? And what has Lord Maulevrier done in India which makes his wife continue to bury herself in shame? - Summary by Stav Nisser.

13Birds of Prey

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

The first part of the book builds the characters of four con men who become interconnected and attempt their schemes on each other. This book is the first of a two part story, the second part is the book Charlotte's Inheritance.

Only 15-years-old, Eleanor Vane is very happy with her lot: educated in an expensive finishing school in Paris, the apple of her father's eye, and disposed to be kind. Of course there are things missing: she does not remember her mother who died when she was young. But at least she has her father... Until he unexpectedly dies. Now Eleanor is at the mercy of her half-siblings who were never in touch with her, and the rest of the world who would consider her an orphaned beggar. Sent to work as a lady's companion to an old friend of her late father's, Eleanor might, just might, be able to win a respectable place in society. This novel is also famous for being one of the first Victorian novels with a female detective. - Summary by Stav Nisser

Sybil, a gentlewoman who has to work for a living, finally finds employment as her rich uncle's house keeper. Nothing could be better: she would finally have an easy job in which she is treated well, and inherit her uncle's money after his death. But then she falls in love with the wrong man. When her uncle is poisoned, suspicion falls upon her. How would she be able to clear her name? What really happened to her uncle? This is a first rate murder mystery, for fans of Wilkie Collins. Yet it is also a story about love: family love, romantic love, and the love we bear for our community. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

16Wyllard's Weird

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

A novel written in three volumes. In the golden age of steam, the London train wends its way across the Tamar into the strange and mystic land that is Cornwall, having left most of its length at Plymouth. A weary doctor gazes at the countryside, when the train grinds to a halt and his professional attention is demanded. A young woman. An apparent suicide. Who was she? What brought her to Cornwall? What drove her to kill herself? Or did she? - Summary by Lynne Thompson

Who murdered Lisa Rainer? Is it her former lover who went to seek fortune in Africa and fell in love with another on the way back? Were there any blood motives? Detective John Thorne would have to discover. Inspired by a true story, this novel is a page turner. Yet this is not only a detective novel. It deals with class, gender, propriety and family. - Summary by Stav Nisser

18Charlotte's Inheritance

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

A lesser known novel by the sensational English novelist, Charlotte's Inheritance opens in Paris in a dilapidated boarding house let to students by a scarcely adequate landlady. Enter Gustave, a young provincial, arriving in Paris supposedly to study law, but in reality as the proposed husband of the dour and unattractive daughter of his sponsor. Unable to tolerate the life arranged for him, Gustave quits the boarding house but recommends it to a mysterious young English widow who approaches him for assistance. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

Sibyl married after assuming that her cousin, with whom she was in love, died. However, said cousin, who suffers from epilepsy, found himself near a murder scene and had no idea what happened. Fearing the worst, he ran away. Ten years later, Sibyl discovers that he is alive. What happened on that terrible night? - Summary by Stav Nisser

Isola Disney is very lonely. Her husband left her and traveled with his regiment to India. No one knows when he would return. Alone in a remote part of the country, she is an easy prey for the local nobleman. This realistic novel tells about choices and their consiquences. Perfect for fans of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's other works, and Madame Bovary. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

21Beyond These Voices

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

This novel tells the fictional life story of Veera Davis. The daughter of a poet and a poor noble woman, who is left in the care of her grandmother to a lonely and monotonous childhood, she has to make her way up in the world. But everything has a price. She tries to follow the conventions of the society which shunned her when she was poor. The novel explores themes such as love, money and loss. Don't worry, there is also a good murder mystery. Summary by Stav Nisser.

A classic Victorian sensation novel filled with romance, mystery, and murder with the emphasis on romance. -summary by Celine Major

A classic Victorian sensation novel filled with romance, mystery, and murder with emphasis on romance. - summary by Celine Major

A classic Victorian sensation novel filled with romance, mystery, and murder with emphasis on romance. - summary by Celine Major

Strangers and Pilgrims follows the journey of Elizabeth Lutterell from a vain, beautiful and self-centred although good-hearted 19 year old to a mature woman. She begins her journey to maturity when she meets the Rev. Malcolm Forde, whose influence opens her eyes to the trivial and selfish ways of the wealthier levels of society. When her genuine love for Malcolm Forde is thwarted and she becomes trapped in a cold, loveless marriage of convenience, she suffers illness, tragedy and regret. Will she find ultimate happiness?<br /><br /> A hugely prolific and popular author, M. E. Braddon was known as the “queen of the Sensation Novel” because of the taboo social subjects in some of her novels. In her own life she courted scandal by living in a de facto relationship with her publisher and becoming mother to six children and also step-mother to five of his children – his wife reportedly being in an asylum in Ireland, although her family denied this. In this novel, published about a year after the wife’s reported death, the scenes dealing with mental illness, its treatment and the difficulties of those seeking divorce are well observed, perhaps from the personal experiences of the author. (Summary by Anne F)

We see another facet of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's amazing talent in Dead Love Has Chains, written in her seventies. Focusing on character and human psychology rather than detection and crime, this is one of her most interesting novels. <br><br>Pregnant and unmarried Irene Thelliston is sent home from India to live with her Aunt in Ireland. On her sea voyage she reveals her secret to Lady Mary Harling who swears to keep her confidence. Several years later to the horror of Lady Mary she becomes engaged to her son Conrad who has his own rather questionable past. Desperate to prevent this union, will Lady Mary break her oath?? When Irene's former lover returns threatening to come between her and Conrad, will their love prevail?????? - Summary by Celine Major

Written by one of the most prolific authors of the 19th century The Fatal Three although not as sensational as some of her other novels serves up some very fascinating characters. It also raises some very interesting questions regarding moral & religious education, Victorian marriage laws, mental illness and how one's upbringing can determine one's fate. Delightful country homes and exquisite scenery provide the usual perfect backdrop for this enjoyable read by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. - Summary by Celine Major

It is an ideal honeymoon of an ideal couple. But somehow, the wife cannot stop dreaming that her husband would be shot and killed. He dismisses her dreams until they come true. Who commited the murder? How would the wife take it? - Summary by Stav Nisser

Like the Asphodel, a plant which grows far away from England, Daphne grows far away from home. In her first chance of freedom, at the age of almost 17, she finds an opportunity to forget for a while... Forget that her father, the renowned Sir Vernon Lawford, does not love her. To forget that, for some reason, nobody talks about her mother who traveled to the South of France and never returned. She can be a butcher's daughter from Oxford Street, she can control her friend's actions, she can fancy that she is in love with a man who does not even reveal his name. She returns home and faces the challenge of earning her father's love and carve a respectable place beside her beloved older half-sister. But what would she do when her past folly catch up with her? Would she find love and acceptance at last? - Summary by Stav Nisser.

EXCERPT: In all things that he did, Flora's well-being was the doctor's paramount consideration. He brought pleasant people to his house; men of professional standing, and their wives. He sought to win friends for her, and the gentle charm of her manner endeared her to the people he brought about her, almost in spite of herself. To know her was to love her. <br> To Cuthbert Ollivant's small circle of intimates Flora was known only as his ward.

The murder has finally been solved. After 20 years, Humphrey Vargas came with his dog, seemingly from no where, and informed the magistrate of the county that he murdered the popular Mr. Blake. He even told the magistrate the whole story. This book picks up where other books end and shows how this revelation brings about a chain of unexpected events. Knowing who murdered such a popular man does not make things any easier around the county, as memories finally surface, and relationships may change forever. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

"He was a stranger in Matcham, a 'foreigner' as the villagers called such alien visitors. He had never been in the village before, knew nothing of its inhabitants or its surroundings, its customs, ways, local prejudices, produce, trade, scandals, hates, loves, subserviencies, gods, or devils , and yet henceforward he was to be closely allied with Matcham, for a certain bachelor uncle had lately died and left him a small estate within a mile of the village."

If you drive through the Lady's Mile, the most fashionable district in London, you will see people whose most distinguished ambition was to be known in that circle. A novelist, a painter, and some aristocrats, willing to prove themselves to the world. But what happens behind closed doors? Is the Lady's Mile as respectable as it seems? - Summary by Stav Nisser.

Clara and Robert Hatrell lead an ideal life with their young daughter Daisy in a beautiful old fashioned cottage on the banks of the Thames. When his son Cyril goes away to school their friend and neighbor Ambrose Arden who is a notable scholar offers to tutor Daisy. Some time later Robert carrying a large amount in banknotes is found stabbed to death in a London rooming house supposedly lured there by the mention of someone called Toinette. The murderer is not found and the money trail implicates a Frenchwoman exchanging the notes in Cannes, Nice and Paris. As the story progresses we are taken to Paris where new characters are introduced. Will one of them lead us to the actual villain??? - Summary by Celine Major

Can starving children be grateful for the education they receive if, when they ask for food, rich people give them a stone? This is the question in the heart of this rich psychological novel. Lady Lashmore is a typical lady of her time, ruling every aspect of her household and constantly complaining that the poor people in the factory ten miles away bother her. Things change when her son, Lord Lashmore, falls in love with a poor woman. Only then does he understand what is the one thing they need most. Only then does he mature, develop empathy, and see what are the real important things in life. This is a coming of age story, a love story, but, most of all, a story about prejudice and small revolutions. For the world would never be the same and the young generation sees social classes differently. This novel is perfect for fans of Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gaskell. Readers who love Mary Elizabeth Braddon's other novels will not be disappointed. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

A compelling story by one of the most prolific authors of the Victorian "sensational novel" serves up the perfect blend of murder, greed, madness, secrets and romance. The characters interlace throughout, and are as always interesting and entertaining. Braddon's multi-layered plot has just the right amount of suspense to hold your interest to it's very satisfying ending. - Summary by Celine Major

Darnel Park is situated in a county that thrives on gossip and secrets, and the Darnel family, as it turns out, has many of them. An attempt at Sir Allan Darnel’s life, after various misunderstandings and misdirections, reveals an estranged son and a mysterious fiancée, and the Darnel family scrambles to conceal these new developments from not only the county but the Scotland Yard detective called in to investigate. - Summary by Adrienne Prevost.

38Aurora Floyd Volume 2

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Aurora Floyd is the spoiled, impetuous, but kind hearted daughter of Archibald Floyd, a wealthy banker and his wife, an actress who died shortly after Aurora's birth. As a teenager she is sent away to finishing school in Paris. This is volume two of the story which tells of Aurora's life with her husband John Mellish. This is a story of love, murder and the search for justice. - Summary by Michele Eaton

Brought up by a parish schoolmaster with a hidden past, Sylvia Carew dreams of a future devoid of poverty. Will she be faithful to the man she adores or will she opt for the chance at wealth and position? What lengths will she go to and when all is said and done, will she be gratified with her "happily ever after"? Romance, ambition and greed, deceit and selfishness are at the root of this sensational Victorian novel by Braddon. As usual she manages to keep us in suspense until her well constructed surprise ending. - Summary by Celine Major

40His Darling Sin

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Grace Perivale is young, beautiful and rich. She and her beloved husband are the center of high society. Until Hector suddenly and unexpectedly dies. Grace is heartbroken and her money and status do nothing to mitigate her desolation. Three years into widowhood, she returns to her London house from wintering in Italy, to discover she is being snubbed by society. Why? Her friend Sue sheds some light on the situation... as unbelievable as it sounds, Grace is touched by scandal. Of course, she denies everything, but who is spreading malicious gossip and why? - Summary by LynneT

41Lady Audley's Secret (Version 2)

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

It is June 1857, and young and beautiful Lucy Graham is about to marry Sir Michael Audley. But who exactly IS Lucy, that's what Sir Michael's nephew, Robert, wants to know. She was a governess to Mr. Dawson, true. And prior to that, she was in service with Mrs. Vincent. But who is she? - Summary by Mark Leder